Program Structure
PGY-1
First year research track residents are encouraged to meet with Dr. Pillai to discuss their areas of interest, training goals and identify prospective mentors. During their internship year, residents are expected to have regular meetings with their respective mentors, start developing the initial steps of their primary research project and also focus on collecting literature on their area of research. During their clinical rotations in psychiatry, research track residents are given priority to rotate with attendings who have ongoing research projects.
PGY-2
Second year research track residents have 2 full months of protected time for research. During that period, residents are expected to work closely with their mentors and continue to develop their research projects. Residents are encouraged to work on scholarly products, including poster presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Pillai meets with PGY-2 research track residents once every two months to discuss the progress of their research activities and research track milestones.
PGY-3
During their third year of training, research track residents are provided with one day per week of protected time for research. Under the guidance of their mentors, residents are expected to continue to be actively involved in scholarly activities and to start working on a research proposal, with the ultimate goal of applying for independent research funds. Dr. Pillai meets with PGY-3 research track residents once every two months to discuss the progress of their research activities and research track milestones. Research publications, presentations at scientific meetings and submission of internal and/or foundation grant applications are expected during the third year.
PGY-4
Senior research track psychiatry residents may have up to 6 months of protected time for research. This is a period to strongly invest on scholarly production and to conclude the research activities started during previous years. First author research publications and presentations at scientific meetings are expected. Dr. Pillai meets with PGY-4 research track residents and their mentors once every two months to discuss the progress of their K-award application and research publications. Residents are expected to submit a K-award application during their 4th year, aiming at the possibility of securing independent research funds.
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